Coding standards are often viewed through a narrow lens, focusing on superficial elements such as indentation styles or where to place curly braces. However, from my perspective, coding standards serve a far deeper purpose. If I had to choose a single software engineering technique to improve the quality of code, I would choose coding standards. These standards not only enhance readability and maintainability but can also serve as a guide for learning a new programming language. My recent experience with ESLint and VSCode has shown me how coding standards go beyond mere aesthetics, becoming a vital tool for writing cleaner, more efficient, and more reliable code.
After my first week of using ESLint in VSCode, I have come to appreciate both the benefits and challenges it brings to the coding process. On one hand, getting rid of ESLint errors can be painful. The errors and warnings often pop up while you're in the middle of coding, breaking the flow and forcing you to fix issues before you even finish writing the code. This constant interruption can feel like a burden, especially when you're racing against time to finish WOD assignments or solve bugs.
However, this initial pain is far outweighed by the long-term usefulness of ESLint. By forcing you to adhere to proper coding practices, ESLint ensures that your code remains consistent and error-free. It serves as a vigilant mentor, constantly providing you with immediate feedback on your coding habits. The insightful fixes offered by ESLint are particularly helpful. When I see an error, I not only learn how to fix it but also gain a better understanding of why it occurred in the first place. For instance, it might point out unused variables or improper formatting, things that can easily go unnoticed but could lead to bugs or inefficiencies later on.
In this way, ESLint is more than just a tool for cleaning up code; it actively contributes to my growth as a programmer. It forces me to think more critically about my code, and over time, these enforced standards have begun to shape my coding habits, making me a more disciplined developer.
One of the things that enhances the experience of using ESLint is working in VSCode. The vast array of extensions available in VSCode makes it a powerful and versatile tool. The ESLint extension, for example, seamlessly integrates into the editor, allowing for real-time linting and quick fixes. This immediate feedback loop accelerates the learning process and enhances productivity.
Beyond ESLint, VSCode offers numerous other extensions that make development smoother. From syntax highlighting and code snippets to Git integration and debugging tools, VSCode has become my go-to environment for almost every project. It’s this flexibility and extensibility that sets VSCode apart from other IDEs. I enjoy the feeling of customizing my workspace with various tools, making it not only efficient but also enjoyable to use.
While many people trivialize coding standards, reducing them to minor details like spacing or brace placement, I see them as fundamental to writing high-quality software. Adhering to coding standards is not just about making code look pretty; it's about creating code that is understandable, maintainable, and scalable. These standards enforce discipline and encourage best practices, which ultimately lead to fewer bugs and easier collaboration within teams.
In my experience, coding standards have helped me better understand the structure and syntax of the languages I work with. When I follow these standards, I’m also learning how the language is supposed to be used—what’s considered good practice and what’s not. In this sense, coding standards act as an additional layer of language learning. They provide guardrails that keep me on track while I’m still mastering the nuances of the language.
Overall, my first week using ESLint with VSCode has been a mix of both pain and growth. While it can be frustrating to constantly fix errors as I code, the benefits of writing clean, standardized code far outweigh the temporary discomfort. ESLint not only enforces good coding practices but also teaches me valuable lessons about the language and my own coding habits.
Coupled with the versatility of VSCode, I feel empowered to continue making projects with these tools. The experience has been a positive one, and I look forward to seeing how continued use of ESLint and adherence to coding standards will shape me into a better programmer.
In the end, coding standards are much more than trivial rules—they are essential building blocks for creating high-quality software. By enforcing consistency and best practices, they help developers not only write better code but also become more skilled in the languages they use. For me, coding standards, combined with tools like ESLint and VSCode, have been instrumental in elevating the quality of my work and fostering continuous learning.